Pacers Acquire No. 38 Pick Braden Smith From Bulls

Key Points:

• The Indiana Pacers have officially traded to acquire the 38th overall pick from the Chicago Bulls, selecting former Purdue star Braden Smith, while Chicago receives guard Kam Jones, future second-round pick swaps (2028 and 2030), and cash.
• Braden Smith, a highly decorated Purdue point guard and the NCAA’s all-time assists leader, is expected to sign a two-way contract with the Pacers; despite his small stature (5’10.25”, 166.6 pounds), he is praised for his ball-handling and playmaking skills.
• Kam Jones, entering his second NBA season, struggled with injuries and performance last year but is now with the Bulls on a partially guaranteed contract; he is the first NBA player included in a trade since the draft began.
• The Pacers have a strong backcourt with Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell, and Quenton Jackson, so Smith is not expected to have immediate rotation pressure.
• The inclusion of second-round pick swaps is notable due to recent lottery reforms, potentially increasing their value and variability in future drafts.